Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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The Lemming

Scripture for Today: Exodus 23:2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.”

This sweet little creature is so misunderstood!  The myth out there that lemmings commit mass suicide is just that, a myth.  It is true that the lemming will migrate in large groups when their population becomes too dense.  And sometimes there are unfortunate accidents as they follow one another into a body of water too large or into a terrain too steep.  The term, “lemming suicide,” is unfounded but often used as a metaphor describing people who unquestioningly follow the crowd, even at their peril!

Today’s verse commands the Israelites not to follow the crowd in doing wrong.  The temptation to fall in with the majority is a strong one.  But this tendency has the potential to pervert justice, especially in the court setting.  The crowd mentality makes impartial judging impossible!  The crowd mentality is a force that can sweep an individual to go against his conscience.  There is something about being on the side of numbers that silences that voice of doubt or caution.  “Might makes right,” is the thinking of those who are in power and are the majority.  By blindly following the crowd one risks to forgo the blessing God promises to those who follow Him!

I find it difficult to stand up and do differently than everyone else.  It is much easier to fall in with the crowd.  But as a believer, the Lord wants me to consider my ways and turn my steps to His statues (Psalm 119:59).  The steps of the crowd are taking them away from the path of life.  Those green pastures and quiet waters are in the opposite direction!

Lord, keep me from following the crowd today!

 


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Snowy Owl

Scripture for Today: James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This pure white plumage on the Snowy Owl is remarkable!  We do not see them too often as they breed on the Artic tundra and only migrate south in search of lemmings.  They are unlike other owls in that they hunt and are active both day and night.  But it is their snow white appearance that makes them stand out!  The females never become completely white, but the males become progressively whiter as they age.

The owl has long been associated with wisdom in Greek and Roman mythology and in Aesop’s Fables.  Perhaps it is because owls are always asking questions!  Today’s verse lists several descriptions of wisdom, beginning with the word, “pure.”  Wisdom is first of all pure.  That makes sense as the beginning of wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord and following His precepts (Ps. 111:10).  The one who is wise is the one who is careful to follow God’s way.  That purity demonstrates itself in the list of characteristics that follow.

Funny, I do not usually link the words, “wise” and “pure” together.  Like so many, I think of the wise as educated, successful, well-respected, well-read and continually learning.  But fearing the Lord and the purity that comes from obeying Him is the “wisdom that comes from heaven.”  It may not be the wisdom widely recognized by the world, but who am I trying to please?  It is not what I know but Who I know that gives me the possibility of living wisely.  He is the source of true wisdom and a life well-lived.

Lord, thank you for giving me wisdom to live life Your way.


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Identity Theft

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

I have heard some real horrors stories of people who have had their identities stolen.  Stealing identities has been around for a long time.  But now with so much sensitive information being on-line, there is the added risk of theft through our passwords.  A whole industry has been born to protect the consumer.  But nothing can offer 100% protection from those intent on stealing identities for gain.  And many victims are unaware of how their information was stolen!

Today’s verse tells me that as a believer in Christ, I have the indwelling of His Spirit.  Because of His residence in me, I am His child.  I belong to Him.  That is my identity and I can call my Heavenly Father, “Abba,” or “Daddy.”  Before this spiritual adoption I was a slave to the flesh.  Obeying those impulses and desires kept me under its power and I lived with fear.  I was afraid of never being good enough.  I lived with fears and insecurities about eternity and punishment.  But with sonship, my identity changed!

I have been born into His family and nothing and no one can make me “un-born” out of it!  But sometimes I forget who I am.  Old habits and ways of thinking can cause me to live according to the desires of my flesh.  But I am never obliged to live that way again (verse 12).  His Spirit reminds and assures me that I am His child and I have choice.  I can choose to live like who I am!

Lord, thank you that my identity as Your child will never be stolen!

 


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Bobbleheads

mixdog3.1_zpssdmivvlsScripture for Today: Proverbs 15:12 and 31 “Mockers resent correction so they avoid the wise. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”

I am not sure what the attraction is, but it most be there for the bobblehead collector.  These figurines have springs that connect their heads to their bodies, causing their heads to wobble up and down.  They used to be made of ceramic when manufactured by German toy makers in the 18th century.  Since then they have been made of paper-mache, resin or plastic.  It must be good for the morale to have them always agreeing with you, nodding that head up and down!  How affirming to be surrounded by total agreement to every thought or suggestion!

Today’s two proverbs encourage the reader to be comfortable and welcoming to the idea of correction.  That is not always our first response.  We are much more at ease with continuing our course as planned.  To change it up is often uncomfortable.  Add to that the blow to our pride to be incorrect and the whole experience can be negative.

I do not look at myself as a “mocker” but I do sometimes resent correction.  I know it is because of my pride.  I just do not like being wrong!  But to resent that correction is to turn away from what is “life-giving.”  It is through the painful and repeated process of correction from the wise that I can become wise myself.  And the correction that comes from the Source of wisdom and understanding is the most life-giving of all (Job 12:13).  His correction is always right and good and for my good.  Can I take it or does my pride get in the way?

Lord, help me to be open to Your correction today.


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The Flamingo

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The brilliant pink and orange of the flamingos never fail to fascinate me.  This social bird with long legs and long curvy neck looks so stately and graceful.  But it is their color that makes them stand out.  As newborns, they are a bland white and grey.  But because of their shrimp and algae diet high in carotenoids, they turn this beautiful vibrant pinkish orange.  I guess the saying is true then, “You are what you eat!”

Today’s verse refers to a diet of “meat” meaning the more profound truths of Scripture.  The one who has a steady diet of meat is the one who is trained in righteousness (verse 12) and can distinguish good from evil.  It is a process over time and constant use.  Meat is not just knowledge or citing verses by memory.  Meat and spiritual maturity come from a constant use of God’s Word in daily life.  Over time the meat-eater will be able to teach and mentor others (verse 12).

It is not difficult to see who are mature in their walk with the Lord.  A long steady diet of God’s Word slowly changes believers, giving them wisdom to choose the right path.  Our spiritual maturity is not measured in years but in consecrated time in His Word and in intentional application.  Obeying God’s Word and hiding it my heart slowly changes me from the inside out.  If I am what I eat, then what color am I?  Am I still white and grey, pale pink or the most brilliant pinkish orange?

Lord, keep me motivated to read and apply Your Word today!